5 Young Movie Stars to Watch in 2014

With a slew of highly anticipated films set to premiere, movie fans have a lot to be excited about in 2014 — and there are a handful of young actors and actresses who should be excited too, because they’re all poised to have a very big year. Some actors are new to the Hollywood scene; others have built up impressive resumes. But by this time next year, any of the talents on this list could also find themselves on Hollywood’s A-list.

1. Shailene Woodley

This 22-year-old already has a resume filled with memorable works — from ABC Family’sThe Secret Life of the American Teenager to an award-winning turn as George Clooney’s daughter in The Descendants. But she’s poised to breakthrough to superstardom with two very high-profile performances this year. In March, she’ll storm the big screen as Tris in the high-profile futuristic teen thriller, Divergent. Then in June, she’ll star as the terminally ill Hazel in the eagerly-anticipated adaptation of John Green’s teen novel, The Fault in Our Stars. Both films could be blockbusters — and they’re almost certain to cement Shailene Woodley’s status as one of Hollywood’s most exciting and profitable young stars.

2. Dylan O’Brien

He’s already made a name for himself as the star of MTV’s popular horror series Teen Wolf. But 22-year-old Dylan O’Brien could become a household name after The Maze Runner hits theaters on September 19. O’Brien stars as Thomas in the adaptation of the best-selling teen science fiction novel, and though the film’s premiere is still months away, it’s already earning some pretty serious buzz. Will the combination of his small-screen popularity translate to box office success?

3. Eva Green

This 33-year-old French actress has worked steadily since her stunning debut in the 2003 film The Dreamers. She gained some notoriety after her turn as Vesper Lynd in 2006’s Casino Royale. But despite her critical success and appearances in several blockbusters, Green has never become a household name. That may change this year, as she’s starring in the next installments of two popular franchises. Look for her as Artemisia in 300: Rise of an Empire and as Ava Lord in the long-awaited Sin City 2: A Dame to Kill For.

4. Ansel Elgort

Before this year, Ansel Elgort only had one film credit to his name — playing Tommy Ross in 2013’s Carrie remake. But by year’s end, this 19-year-old New York native will have two chances to impress audiences when he stars in two high-profile films. He’ll act alongside Shailene Woodley in both, as cancer patient Augustus in The Fault in Our Stars and Caleb Prior in Divergent. Will this double feature make him a Hollywood heavyweight?

5. Elizabeth Olsen

She may be the younger sister of Full House’s Mary Kate and Ashley, but Elizabeth Olsen has already carved out a name for herself in Hollywood — as an indie goddess. The 24-year-old was nominated for an Independent Spirit Award and a Satellite Award for her turn in 2011’s Martha Marcy May Marlene. Since then, she’s appeared in several films, including Silent House and last year’s Oldboy. This year, she stars in the much buzzed-about Godzilla reboot, and the odds are good that this monster movie could bring her some major attention.